Versatile solution with high reproducibility
- No need for anechoic chambers or absorbers, unlike traditional solutions
- Easy to move and install lightweight design
- 1 μm precision antenna positioner that enables accurate measurement
The free space method is indispensable to material evaluation in microwave, which can flexibly deal with a wide range of applications such as permittivity/permeability measurement and oblique incident reflection measurement. Our solution is revolutionary in that it enables accurate evaluation without anechoic chamber and radio wave absorber. We have also simplified the mechanics significantly for easy operation while maintaining measurement accuracy. Combined with EM labs' software FS-MA or the Keysight material measurement suite N1500A, efficient and reliable material measurement can be performed.
FS-E - Dedicated model for E-band (60-90GHz)
All the Power of the FS-330 — Now Optimized for E-Band in a Compact, Dedicated Model
E-band Measurement – A High-Demand Solution in Free-Space Testing
At EM labs, we’ve seen particularly high demand for E-band measurement in free-space setups. This frequency range includes bands used in automotive radar, driving the need for accurate testing of dielectric properties as well as transmission, reflection, and absorption characteristics of automotive materials.
In response to requests for a dedicated E-band system, we developed a specialized mechanical design tailored specifically for E-band applications—achieving a compact, lightweight solution weighing under 6 kg.
Watch and Learn: Free space
Simple to Use, Powerful in Performance — See It in Action!
Measurement Examples
Sample size
Recommended sample size (Square) [mm]
| Parameter | Lower limit | Recommended (FS-330) | Recommended(FS-E) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S parameters ε' | A diameter of 6 wavelengths | 118 | 79 |
| tanδ | A diameter of 9 wavelengths | 118 | 79 |
Using a sample of the recommended size makes it easier to mount the material in the sample holder and helps ensure accurate measurements.
There is no strict upper size limit. For samples that do not fit in the standard holder, we use a custom holder and clips to secure the material properly.
Recommended thickness
For permittivity measurements, a half wavelength is optimal. For permeability, a quarter wavelength is optimal. The thicker the sample, the more significant the error due to multiple reflections within it. This is especially noticeable in magnetic permeability measurement. (In both cases, it is necessary to take into account the wavelength shortening in the sample*.)
*wavelength shortening= 1 / sqrt(ε'* µ')
(ε': relative permittivity, µ': relative permeability)
Example System Configuration
- Network analyzer: N5290A (Keysight Technologies)
- Mini VNAX frequency extension module: N5262BW03 (Keysight Technologies)
- Free space 18-330GHz : FS-330
- Free space material measurement software : FS-MA
- J-band WR3connection (220-330GHz) : FS-330-JWG
- Windows PC
Products
main body
| Product number | Product name | Frequencies [GHz] |
|---|---|---|
| FS-330 | Free Space 18 - 330 GHz Main Body | 18-330 |
| FS-E | Free Space E-band 60 - 90 GHz | 60-90 |
adapter
FS-330 supports measurements across multiple frequency bands by simply swapping adapters. It accommodates both coaxial and waveguide connection types to suit a variety of measurement needs.
| Freq, band [GHz] | Coaxial type | Waveguide type |
|---|---|---|
| K-band (18~26.5) | FS-330-KCF 2.4 mm (f) | FS-330-KWG WR42 |
| R-band (26.5~40) | FS-330-RCF 2.4 mm (f) | FS-330-RWG WR28 |
| Q-band (33~50) | FS-330-QCF 2.4 mm (f) | FS-330-QWG WR22 |
| U-band (40~60) | FS-330-UCF 1.85 mm (f) | FS-330-UWG WR19 |
| V-band (50~75) | FS-330-VCF 1 mm (f) | FS-330-VWG WR15 |
| Freq, band [GHz] | Coaxial type | Waveguide type |
|---|---|---|
| E-band (60~90) | FS-330-ECF 1 mm (f) | FS-330-EWG WR12 |
| W-band (75~110) | FS-330-WCF 1 mm (f) | FS-330-WWG WR10 |
| D-band (110~170) | - | FS-330-DWG WR6 |
| G-band (140~220) | - | FS-330-GWG WR5 |
| J-band (220~330) | - | FS-330-JWG WR3 |
option
| Product number | Product name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FS-330-OR | Oblique Reflection measurement | Essential for oblique measurements. Angle can be set in 5 degree increments. |
| FS-330-PL | Liquid sample holder for free space | container into which liquid is poured |